FIJI’s historic breakthrough in international basketball has opened a new chapter for the national men’s 5×5 programme.
Head coach Manoa Puamau says his players have opened the door to a brighter future for the sport after creating history by qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers Second Round in Mongolia.
Fiji sealed their place in the next stage of the competition with a memorable 69-57 victory over Vietnam, marking a significant milestone for the national basketball programme.
Puamau said the qualification was a major achievement and represented an important step forward for Fiji basketball on the international stage.
“It’s quite significant. It allows us to progress further,” Puamau said.
“I think this is the first, for a Basketball Fiji team to be able to do that.”
The journey in Mongolia was not without its challenges, with the players forced to adapt quickly to conditions vastly different from those at home.
Puamau identified Mongolia’s altitude as one of the biggest obstacles facing the team during the campaign.
“I think the biggest challenge is adjusting to the altitude. Mongolia is 1,300 metres above sea level and Fiji is on the ground,” he said.
“We’ve just been able to take the boys there and help them adjust to the altitude.”
Despite a slow start in their opening two matches, Puamau said the side showed tremendous character when it mattered most, producing their best performance to overcome Vietnam and secure qualification.
“The team performed very well. Of course, we started off a bit slow in the first two games against Thailand and Mongolia, but then we came through on the third game against Vietnam, so we’re looking pretty good.”
His message to the players throughout the campaign was to continue fighting and recognise the significance of representing more than themselves.
“Just keep digging deep, understanding that it’s more than just basketball and more than just us as individuals. There’s a lot at stake.”
Puamau said he could not be prouder of the effort shown by his players in their decisive victory.
“I take my hat off to these boys. They emptied everything they had and left everything on the court. I’m very proud of them.”
There will be little time for celebration, however, with Fiji now turning its attention to Round Two in November.
Puamau believes the historic achievement will also inspire the next generation of Fijian basketballers.
“What these boys have done is open the doors for the future basketballers.”
He also thanked main sponsor Vodafone, Basketball Fiji Federation, its president and board for their trust and support throughout the campaign.
